At a Loss

Do we ever really gain anything?  It seems as if we do everyday.  And there are days where we gain a lot of things or one really special thing: these are called "great days."  Then there are days when we lose things.  By things I mean, objects, people, ideas, and concepts.  Those are bad days.  We even lose life throughout the days we live it, and at the end we lose our own.

So I pose the question again: Do we ever gain anything?  But I find the same answer: of course we gain things!  However, they are always at the cause of a loss.

Booming Show

Perhaps the most anticipated match-up of the NBA Playoffs tips off tonight as the Lakers visit the Thunder.  The last time these teams met, World Peace (Ron Artest) elbowed 6-man of the year James Harden.  Out of three games the teams played in the regular season the Lakers won one game -- which happened to be they last time they met, so it is a possibility that fans could see this series go to seven games which would not be disappointing at all and great for the NBA as well.

As far as the game itself, you have Kobe vs Durant, a player I really enjoyed watching while he played for Texas in college.  Those two will get their shots and their points, so the biggest key for this series is the play of Gasol and Bynum, the league's only seven-foot starting tandem.  On the other side, the play of Westbrook and the veteran Perkins will also be exciting to watch.  Overall, if it does go seven, I got the Thunder but I could see the Lakers taking it in six.  Tonight the stage is set and it will be interesting to see if the "Lake Show" can steal a game at OKC.

New York

New York.
The place of so many dreams.
The place of so much success.
The hype, the, glamour, the attention.

So many things; it seems.
Reality can be harsh, especially for a place like this.
How can one fail here?
This is where people flock for gain.

However, there is so much more about New York that people do not know.
So much about the others.
The people who are slaves to their work.
The “go-getters” that hustle and bustle throughout the streets!

The people who try and try,
And for what?!
To only come here with hope of life.
Then to have it stripped away; with no confidence left!

Have you seen these people?
Probably not.
They hide in the midst of the rest.
They hide in some of the most freighting of places.

If you think I am talking about the homeless, you have been deceived.
I am talking about the hopeless!
The ones with potential and talent.
The ones with promise and gift.

Ah, so it seems.
But they give up.
They lay waste in a chair or at a desk.
And are sent adrift.

Magnetic Writing

Magnetic Writing

For everybody that writes in the freelance world, realize that it is up to you to be accepted as an accomplished author. How can this be done? What can I do to attract readers to my work? These questions have appeared before you and if they haven't you may still have a lot of work to do when it comes to writing. Therefore, I am here to help and offer some advice for your writing – whether you are trying to gain traffic on the web – or if you simply just like to write as a hobby.

Socrates is quoted as saying: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” This is a powerful quote, but how does it pertain to writing?

1. Know yourself. By knowing oneself, he/she can gain confidence. Being confident attracts and demands attention. How can one not be interesting if they do not know themselves?

2. You are the writer so be creative. This means you are the one in control and it is up to you to create power ideas so that what one reads on a page interests them. Remember, you want readers, not browsers.

3. Be interesting. It doesn't matter whether or not you are boring in person, be interesting on paper. Even “boring people” can create great work---just be confident in that work.

3. Take risks. No matter what you are writing on, do not be afraid to give the facts and show the truth. Add a unique style to your work. If it keeps people reading your writing then you are on the right track.

These simple rules should be a basic set of tools for novices and professional writers of all genres. Capture the reader's attention by writing with a magnetizing disposition and focus that keeps both you and your audience on the same page.

Drafting Expertise

Racing and drafting go hand in hand. To do a great job of racing, whether it be in a go-kart, a truck, or even a Nascar race can mean the difference to winning and losing. When a racer drafts, they rely on the car in front. Simply, it explains that using the driver in front of you will help you gain faster times.

The keys to proper drafting techniques and styles are quite simple, rather, it depends on whether or not the driver of the vehicle can make the proper moves and positions for getting the most miles per hour during a sequence of drafts. Drafting is just a fundamental part of racing; it is similar to putting oneself in the right position to take the lead or gain advantage on the driver in front.

When on the straights, stay close to the driver in front, this will lessen the gap of wind that slows one down. Therefore, it will make you and the person in front of you to go faster. Then, once in the corner, you can use the momentum gained to 'slingshot' past the car in ahead. Nevertheless, always remember to try and draft, because one can get 'hung out to dry' and lose valuable positions.

Seperating the Men From The Boys

When it comes to judging athletes in college people only need to look at one area: how an individual performs in big games. Putting up numbers in championships and rivalry games are definitely what separates the 'boys from the men.' A player's performance in a Bowl Game is crucial to his draft status as well. It could lower or raise that player's "draft stock."

Obviously, the key to what separates a good player vs. a great player is how he plays under pressure. Does the QB make the right throw in a crucial game late in the 4th quarter? Does a defensive end have a 'sack/fumble' in a game changing rivalry match-up? These are examples that makes a certain player 'stand out, and gets him noticed by the media.

Games like Notre Dame vs the University of Miami or Alabama vs LSU just happen to stick out on a schedule. These are games with history and are significant matches. They are games that players circle on the calender because it gives them the opportunity to shine. While these games are a bit more pricier (225-350$ depending on seating) they are worth watching because of the higher value in entertainment.

My Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Philosophy



    I have spent much time in the class room; learning, speaking, and writing.  Along the way I have picked up some great techniques as well as created others.  As an introductory professor for English I believe it’s important to focus on getting students ready for furthering their education by teaching research techniques and broadening vocabulary.
    To solve these two important issues I suggest that students have a mandatory visit to the institution’s library, where we can learn skills on how to research effectively and efficiently.  There is only so much time in a student’s life to be able to learn and to find out the fact necessary to achieve that goal.  Vocabulary concerns are a must.  No matter what discipline these students enter into they must know how to converse with each other and potential employers.  A great way to do this is to have vocabulary tests on Fridays every two weeks.  This gives the student a better chance to learn words quickly, and memorize them as well.
    Another focus–perhaps the most important, is working on writing.  Students will made to learn grammar and syntax; these methods will of course, be taught by reading literature.  In addition, we will focus on templates and teaching how to write resumes.  These are once again important for any discipline the student chooses to go into.  Lastly, I believe that effort, as well as, class participation to be important with satisfying these requirements, which I would effectively use teaching skills that I have been taught during my time as a student and educator. 

Manning in Miami

I know this can be a bit pre-emptive, and nobody really knows where Peyton wants to play. However, there are the Dolphins, sitting in South Beach (where he also owns a home) with the cap- room and the talent, waiting and perhaps seeking out the 4 time MVP. How is the injury? Does he want to play for another team? (He can still sign with Indy) Would he want to play in a very competitive AFC East? There are so many questions that follow the release of a special player.

Whatever the case is, I find it more intriguing that if he were to go to Miami or any other city there would be the possibility of a QB winning multiple Super Bowls for two different franchises. It is a bit of a reach, but let's not forget how close Kurt Warner came against the Steelers in making NFL history. Also, If Manning were to sign with the Dolphins, pass his physical, and be ready to play it would definitely make Miami a contender who hasn't won a championship in exactly 40 years. I'll just say that sports writers would have a very unique story to tell if the Dolphins nabbed Manning and won the Super Bowl.

Life is a Beach

A Florida Holiday is always on a 'getaway list' for any American or someone from abroad. Florida contains some of the best beaches, not only in the United States but in the world. Whether on the Atlantic or in the Gulf of Mexico, There are rarely any disappointing Florida Beaches. Why look anywhere else for a vacation? A Florida Holiday is just what a person is looking for because the state offers plenty of things to do.

If one is looking more for family fun like diving with dolphins and other activities in Florida, perhaps they should look somewhere near the western side of the peninsula. That way people are close to Disney World, and Discovery Cove, where vacationers can literally swim with dolphins. Also, if travelers with a family are looking for great Florida Beaches, there is a beach just south of Tampa, located in Sarasota, Florida called 'Siesta Key.' This beach is great for honey-mooners and family alike. It is arguably one of the best beaches in the country, let alone just Florida. A weekend in the white sand and the clear gulf water would make anybody's Florida Holiday worth-while.

Perhaps vacationers are looking for 'fun in the sun' on the east side of the state. These Florida Beaches and places may be more for couples but still offer great fun. Of course, there is South Beach, located in Miami. Here people spend nights in fancy restaurants and clubs, as well as, nights on the beach, soaking up a unique culture that only Miami can offer. There are also places that offer an escape such as Cocoa Beach, Florida. Just south of Cape Canaveral is a place that has great fun, food, and entertainment. Whether you want to just sit and watch a sunset on the beach, or spend the evening in a tiki-lounge, Cocoa Beach is a wonderful place to go. From spotting baby sea-turtles to soaking up the sun, the days and nights in Cocoa are never forgetful.

There are so many places and beaches that are worth visiting in Florida. For Bikers and racers, there is obviously Daytona Beach, and for a quiet romantic getaway don't forget about Naples or the Florida Keys. Both offer great seclusion and fun when the mood is right and the night is perfect. If it is sunny weather, beautiful beaches, romantic getaways, and family fun look no farther than the state of Florida.